I recently saw that the movie “Wonder” was being released onto DVD. My heart leapt with joy as this movie was at the top of my favorite list for this year. We actually saw this movie in the theaters back some months. I wanted to post right away of how much I enjoyed it but time got away from me, and so here we are with it being new released onto DVD… Another perfect opportunity!
If you have not seen the movie “Wonder” it is a must to put on your movie list for you and your entire family! Why? Because this movie brings us right to the heart of humanity. Every human being wants to be accepted and loved. Sadly, this is not the case and this movie reminds us the importance of these simple lessons. I wish I would’ve seen this movie as a young child because I know that I was one that stared and not always said the nicest things. My dad has told me many times that I would just say what came to my mind (Leaving him there wanting to disappear or melt into the ground). I’m sure I hurt some people in this and want to help others see my error. Now I realize, kids are curious and there’s only so much you can do to educate them when it comes to others looking differently. I used to fear what kids would say with my wheelchair but now I love it and embrace it, but when it comes to their peers they need to be taught how their words can hurt others. That there is a human being on the inside and they have more similarities than differences with that person. This movie shows this! It is the perfect education tool to show your children and then discuss it with them afterwards.
I know firsthand the effects of people staring, looking at me like I am a freak, and even making insensitive comments. It bothered me so much after my accident… It almost kept me cooped up in my house. Thankfully, over time I realized that if I was going to move on with my life and be happy that I needed to overcome what other people thought and the fear of what they were going to say. Please keep in mind it wasn’t the children that bothered me, it was more adults than anything! I am appalled at times of what adults have said to me. If it was just children I had to worry about, it would be a piece of cake.
This topic was magnified when Doug and I started dating. It didn’t take long for Doug to realize how many people stared at me when I couldn’t see it, but he could. The longer we dated, the more it bothered him. He would say to me “Man, people look at you like you’re an alien!” I then had to explain to him the frustration over the years that I had been through but how I was not going to let that keep me from living my life.
So why did I write this blog today? Because I believe that everyone (including myself) needs a good reminder that our actions impact others. We need to remind ourselves that we have to think before we act. This movie is for everyone… for parents to educate their children, and to educate parents that they need to model this in front of their children. I think this movie should be shown in schools as part of curriculum and as part of eradicating bullying. I would like to believe in a world where Auggie can go to school and feel loved and accepted. Where the staring stops and love happens. It begins with each one of us… Please share this message with your friends and family members and maybe we can change our world for the better by using this movie as a tool to educate ourselves and others. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments!